Monthly Guide

Gorilla Trekking in May

Verdict: Good

Quick Answer

May is the tail end of the long rainy season. Conditions are similar to April but improving — rains become less frequent by late May. Still muddy, still quiet, still affordable. Late May can be an excellent sweet spot: low-season prices with improving weather.

May at a Glance

VerdictGood
Temperature15–26°C (59–79°F)
RainfallModerate to High — decreasing through the month
Sunshine5–6 hours per day
Trail ConditionsMuddy but improving
Permit AvailabilityExcellent
Price LevelLow
Crowd LevelLow

Weather in May

Rains continue but begin to ease, especially in the second half. Late May often sees drier mornings and shorter afternoon showers compared to April.

Trail Conditions

Muddy but improving. Early May is still wet, but trails start drying by late May. Porters still recommended.

Pros

  • Low prices still available
  • Rains easing — better than April
  • Few tourists — intimate experience
  • Late May offers a budget-friendly sweet spot
  • Excellent birding conditions

Cons

  • Early May can still be very wet
  • Trails are muddy, especially in the first half
  • Some uncertainty about daily weather

Wildlife Highlight

The forest remains intensely green. Birdlife is excellent as resident species are active. Late May sees improving conditions for photography as cloud cover thins.

Permit Availability

Excellent. Low season permits are easy to obtain.

Prices

Low. Green-season discounts still apply at most lodges.

Insider Tip

Book for the last week of May. The rains are usually easing, you get low-season pricing, and June's dry season is just around the corner. Best budget-to-conditions ratio of the year.

May FAQ

Last updated: June 2025. Information reviewed every 90 days. Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, direct local experience.

Planning a May gorilla trek?

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